The saying is sure

First Reading: Psalm: Gospel:

Revelation 3:7-8, 10-12 or 2 Timothy 2:8-13; 3:10-12; 3:10-12 Psalm 119:137-144 John 10:11-16

2 Timothy 2:11 The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;

Paul says that the saying is sure.  These are great words. But what does it mean to die with him? It seems that this is not rendered in the future tense, so it must be something that we have already done and/or are continuing to do.

To die with him must mean to give up our stubborn sense of right and wrong and trust in the righteousness that Christ brings.  It is a different set of rules than our earthly common sense tells us.  It isn't based on the animal-like will to survive, but on a hope and a faith that there is more to life than what we can see and know.  Jesus says that there is more to life than what we have here.  We must trust him for that.  The saying is sure.

Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to trust that there is more to life than what we see and know in the flesh.  Help me to stay focused and patiently endure to the end to be with you.  Help me to trust that this saying is sure.

Amen